CATEWAA Visits Minister for Culture And Tourism, promises Collaboration with FGN

 Lai Mohammed who was elated at the courtesy visit said he was happy because it was a sign of actualising the dream of the present administration  in taking Nigeria to the next level through culture, arts, entertainment and tourism.

The Minister said that plans are on ground by the Federal Government to launch the National Policy on Culture, Tourism and finalise work on Motion Picture Council of Nigeria MOPICON), and others. He revealed it just as he gave highlights of the Ministry’s  agenda for the Culture and Tourism Sector in the next four years.

He noted that (MOPICON) Bill had been on motion but that it has to be put in the perspective to cover every angle and pass through the Federal Executive Council (FEC), in order to create a proper regulatory environment for the sub-sector that has put Nigeria’s name on the global map.

“We intend to establish an Endowment Fund for The Arts to create a legal framework for the financing of the sector. Make the National Summit for Culture and Touris, which we first held in April 2016 a yearly affair, starting from the first quarter of 2020.

“We plan to ensure a regular meeting of the Presidential Council on Tourism (PCT) to catalyze the growth of tourism. We plan at least three meetings a year. Kick-start the implementation of the parts of the Tourism Master Plan that constitute low-hanging fruit.

“We intend to complete work on the establishment of Tourism Statistics and Tourism Satellite Account (TSA), working with the UNWTO. We have already signed an agreement with the UNWTO in this regard. We will also institute a unified National Celebration of the World Tourism Day, instead of the current situation in which we have multiple celebrations”, he explained.

Lai stated further that plan is underway to hold a National Council on Culture and Tourism in May next year and then continue on yearly basis. He also said that the Regional Summit on Culture and Tourism start by next year, with a view to working with other countries in the West Africa sub-region to foster the development of the sector, and that visits to tourist sites and attendance of festivals across the country will be regular.

He unveiled plans to step up action in order to get more sites in Nigeria inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and also, explore private sector branding of the nation’s Cultural Centres abroad.

On the Abuja Carnival,  “We want it to be more impactful, colourful and we have limited it to seven items. I don’t want to go into what will not be first class but with your support, we will have a return of the carnival”, he stated.

He called for the continued cooperation of the Association, adding that the Ministry will work closely with the Association to take the sector to next level.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman, of CATEWAA, Mrs. Onoche extolled the achievement of the ministry.

According to her, “The meeting became imperative considering the Association’s desire to project the activities of the culture sector and to join the government in repositioning it as a viable sector of the economy.

“The Association is not out to hold government ransom nor witch hunt chief executives of culture, but to collaborate with other stakeholders in giving the sector desired publicity.

“It is our collective believe that our duty as members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm would be made easier and more impactful, if we are carried along as partners in progress.

She expressed optimism that the meeting would chart a new course in the relationship between the ministry and the media. ” It has always been our desire to work with you and we hope that we would consequently be given the privilege to do so.

“We look forward to seeing all these things implemented, we will always want to be there with you, let us be part of your efforts so that the world will know that you are doing a whole lot in this sector,” she concluded.

CATEWAA comprises of journalists from print, electronics and online media outfits who specialize in the coverage and reportage of arts and culture related activities in both public and private sectors.